Pad for cleaning vehicular floor mats and the like

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for cleaning vehicular floor mats and the like includes a support member in a container having an opening for receiving dirt and other matter that is removed from a floor mat. A generally horizontal screen is positioned above the container such that the dirt and other matter falls into the container. At least one resilient member connects the screen to the support member, such that the screen shifts when a floor mat positioned on the screen is impacted by a user to thereby dislodge dirt and other matter from the floor mat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/257,476, entitled PAD FOR CLEANING VEHICULAR FLOOR MATS AND THE LIKE, filed Dec. 21, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Floor mats are commonly utilized in cars, trucks and other such vehicles to reduce the risk of staining or otherwise damaging the existing carpet or other floor covering material in the vehicle. Known floor mats are commonly made of carpet, or other such material that will absorb dirt, and other such matter. Floor mats are commonly cleaned by vacuuming, or simply hitting the floor mat against an object. However, such methods do not readily clean the floor mats to the desired degree, and also may cause the vacuuming “islands” or the like at commercial self-serve car washes to become dirty or damaged. Accordingly, an apparatus and method for cleaning vehicular floor mats alleviating these problems would be beneficial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for cleaning vehicular floor mats and the like. The apparatus includes a support member in a container having an opening for receiving dirt and other matter that is removed from a floor mat. A generally horizontal screen is positioned above the container such that the dirt and other matter falls into the container. At least one resilient member connects the screen to the support member, such that the screen shifts when a floor mat positioned on the screen is impacted by a user to thereby dislodge dirt and other matter from the floor mat.

[0004] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claim, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the cleaning apparatus of the present invention; and

[0006]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0008] The mat cleaning apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) of the present invention includes a support member such as housing 2 and a container 3 having an opening 4 for receiving dirt 5 or other matter that is removed from a floor mat 6. With further reference to FIG. 2, a generally horizontal screen 7 is positioned above the container 3 such that the dirt 5 and other matter falls into the container 3. At least one resilient member such as spring 8 connects the screen 7 to the support member or housing 2 such that the screen 7 shifts when a floor mat 6 positioned on the screen is impacted by a user to dislodge dirt 5 and other matter from the floor mat 6 for cleaning.

[0009] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mat cleaning apparatus 1 forms a part of a vacuum island 10 that may be located at a self-service car wash facility or the like. Alternately, as discussed in more detail below, the mat cleaning apparatus may be a stand-alone unit (FIG. 2). This arrangement permits a user to quickly and easily remove the floor mats 6 from the vehicle, at the time the vehicle interior is vacuumed. In the illustrated example, the housing 2 includes an overhead structure 12 to prevent water and the like from entering the container 3. The housing 2 may be made from sheet metal, or other suitable material having the ability to withstand inclement weather conditions. In the illustrated example, the housing includes an opening 14 to permit visual inspection of the container 3 to determine if the container requires emptying. A pair of doors 13 may be hingedly mounted to the housing 2 to permit removal of the container 3.

[0010] With further reference to FIG. 2, a pair of extensions or angled dividers 15 may extend downwardly and inwardly at an angle from the upper edges 16 of housing 2. The dividers 15 ensure that the dirt 5 is directed into the opening 4 of container 3. A pair of horizontal cross members 17 are secured to the angled dividers 15, and extend across the opening 18 of housing 2. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross members 17 are made of a ⅛″×1″×1″ steel T-bar. Four resilient members such as springs or shocks 8 are secured to the horizontal cross members 17 via clips, welding, or other suitable fastening arrangement. The upper ends of springs/shocks 8 are secured to the screen 7 via spring clips, or other suitable arrangement. The screen 7, horizontal cross members 17, and springs 8 form a mat spring assembly 9 that may be plastic coated to prevent corrosion. Alternately, the mat spring assembly 9 may be made from stainless steel, or other material providing a weatherproof assembly.

[0011] A paddle 20 is made of a polymer material, and includes a handle 21, and a flat lower portion 22. Paddle 20 has an overall length of about 16-18 inches, with sufficient weight to provide a forceful impact on the floor mat 6. During cleaning, floor mat 6 is placed on the screen 7 in an upside down position wherein the “carpet” side 23 contacts the screen 7. A user then grasps the paddle 20 and hits the floor mat 6, thereby dislodging dirt and other material that then falls into the container 3. The springs 8 provide resiliency, such that the floor mat 6 shifts upon impact, thus facilitating dislodgment of the dirt or other matter 5 from flow mat 6.

[0012] The floor mat cleaning apparatus 1 of the present invention is simple, durable, and provides effective cleaning of the floor mats without need for vacuuming. The screen 7 permits the dirt 5 to pass therethrough, while also “fluffing up” and helping to restore the carpet nap. Furthermore, when utilized at a self-serve car wash, the mat cleaning apparatus 1 helps protect the other car wash equipment from degradation that would otherwise be caused by “beating” of the floor mats on the equipment.

[0013] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for cleaning vehicular floor mats and the like, comprising: a support member; a container having an opening for receiving dirt and other matter removed from a floor mat; a generally horizontal screen positioned above said container such that the dirt and other matter falls into the container; at least one resilient member connecting said screen to said support member such that said screen shifts when a floor mat positioned on the screen is impacted by a user to dislodge dirt and other matter from the floor mats for cleaning. 